Construction has begun on Harbor House at the YWCA, a $50.6 million affordable and supportive housing project in Schenectady’s Stockade Historic District. The development involves rehabilitating the historic YWCA building to preserve 42 existing homes and constructing a new all-electric building that will add 54 apartments. This initiative is part of New York State’s broader effort to address housing needs under Governor Kathy Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across the state.
Governor Hochul stated, “Today’s groundbreaking initiative at Harbor House is another step toward making New York more affordable for all. We’re taking bold action to increase the supply of quality, affordable homes while ensuring that New Yorkers, especially those in need of supportive services, have the stability they need to succeed. Developments like Harbor House are proof that our partnerships at the local level are making a positive impact across the state.”
All apartments at Harbor House will be reserved for households earning up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Residents will receive on-site support services from YWCA NorthEastern New York, including case management and access to community resources.
The original Colonial Revival-style building from 1930 will undergo comprehensive upgrades such as electrified heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient windows, enhanced insulation, updated electrical systems, environmental remediation, and installation of a new elevator for improved accessibility. The gymnasium will be restored following National Park Service standards and used for fitness programs available to tenants and neighbors.
The new building is designed to meet Energy Star Multifamily New Construction standards and Enterprise Green Communities 2020 certification requirements. It will feature Energy Star appliances, high-performance windows, LED lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.
Residents will have access to three community rooms between both buildings as well as landscaped outdoor space. The location offers proximity to public transportation, healthcare providers, and parks.
Funding for Harbor House comes from several sources: approximately $14.2 million in equity through Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), $23.4 million in subsidy from HCR, over $5.6 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program for new construction units, $1.2 million in Clean Energy Initiative funding via a partnership between HCR and NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), $1.7 million in HOME-ARPA funding from Schenectady County, and $959,000 in ARPA funds from the city of Schenectady.
Operating expenses for apartments in the new building are supported by an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award managed by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; supportive services for units within the historic building continue through allocations by the Department of Health.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said: “Harbor House is exactly the kind of development Governor Hochul has prioritized; it protects an affordable housing asset by combining historic preservation, sustainability, and supportive services to create long-term stability for vulnerable New Yorkers. By beginning work on this transformative development we are further strengthening Schenectady’s Stockade neighborhood while ensuring Harbor Houses’ current and future residents will have the housing and services they need to thrive.”
Barbara C. Guinn, Commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance said: “When completed Harbor House will more than double the existing supportive housing at the site and provide some of our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers with safe stable housing along with on-site access to essential support services that will help them remain housed. We are proud to work with YWCA NorthEastern NY…on this vital project…and grateful…for making creation…of supportive housing across New York State a centerpiece…”
Dr. James McDonald, Health Commissioner said: “I congratulate Governor Hochul…on this achievement for community…access to housing…and supportive services are critical step toward improving health…”
Doreen M. Harris President/CEO NYSERDA said: “NYSERDA is proud…to strengthen communities by expanding access…Today we are bringing back…a YWCA building with clean energy retrofits alongside a new construction project that incorporates energy efficient building solutions…”
State Senator Jim Tedisco said: “The new Harbor House will enable…the YWCA…to provide affordable…and supportive housing…”
Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said: “…By combining affordable housing with supportive services this development will help residents live safely independently…”
Schenectady County Legislature Chair Gary Hughes said: “Harbor House is about creating a safe stable place where vulnerable New Yorkers can live with dignity…”
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said: “Harbor House represents…the very best…when every level of government…and our community partners work together…I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul…and RuthAnne Visnauskas…This transformative investment builds on mission…preserve an important historic asset…”
Kim Siciliano CEO YWCA NorthEastern NY said: “…Eight years…have brought us…this extraordinary milestone…Our buildings will be state-of-the-art safe…designed for individuals…who need stable housing complemented by comprehensive wraparound supportive services…”
Terri Belkas-Mitchell Principal Xenolith Partners said: “Xenolith Partners is deeply grateful…we are transforming…YWCA NorthEastern NY into 96 high-quality supportive homes grounded in trauma-informed…design—an enduring commitment…”
Governor Hochul’s administration has enacted policies aimed at increasing affordable housing supply statewide since FY23 through various initiatives such as launching her five-year Housing Plan worth $25 billion—intended not only for renters but also homebuyers—and introducing programs like Pro-Housing Community Program which provides certified localities exclusive access up to $750 million in discretionary state funding.
As part of her proposed “Let Them Build” agenda outlined during her 2026 State of the State address—meant to accelerate project approvals—the administration seeks reforms aimed at reducing delays caused by regulatory processes such as SEQRA.
To date more than 77 thousand affordable homes have been created or preserved under these efforts—with further investments planned through FY27 Executive Budget allocating additional funds towards expediting construction statewide.